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I will start by thanking my excellent stewards John & Rob, they really were a pleasure to work with. I was really looking forward to this appointment. Shih Tzus have always been one of my favourite breeds, and I have been very lucky to have been mentored by some highly respected senior breed specialists, and have had an association with the breed going back 40 years. The breed standard calls for a large round dark eye, and also a lift of tail. The tail lift has been an issue for some years in the breed, and while I would love to see this on all exhibits, I accept that it is only part of the dog, all be an important one. My major concern and disappointment was the lack of the correct eye shape in many of the dogs, in fact correct round eyes were in the minority. I was also surprised to see light eyes in some exhibits with coat colours that do not allow them, one even had amber eyes. An important part of the breed is their melting expression, but this is not possible without the correct eye shape. I am so sorry to see that this is being lost. Movement was poor in many exhibits, upright shoulders, and also short upper arms resulted in lack of the forward reach that gives the breed the required smooth flowing action, and far too many were extremely close behind. I also found narrow bodies and shallow rib cages. Please remember your breed standard and what first attracted you the Shih Tzu. All of our dogs have faults, but it is extremely sad to see such important features of this lovely breed being lost. |
